Homemade Solar Cells and Home Solar Panels

Have you ever considered building your own homemade solar cells and home solar panels?  The state of the economy has once again brought renewable energy to the forefront of many people’s minds. Some are also concerned with the destruction that fossil fuels are unleashing on the planet, but most feel overwhelmed by those facts and feel there is little they can do. The good news today is there is something we can all do to save the planet and our pockets both for around $100!

Solar Energy
Every year there is enough solar energy that reaches the earth’s surface to power every home on the planet many times over. The problem comes in harnessing this vast power and funneling it into your home. This is where solar panel and solar power systems come into play. However if you have ever priced these complete systems you probably gave up your energy sufficient dreams on the spot. A complete professionally installed solar energy system can run $30,000 or more!

Thankfully, this is not the only manner in which you can get home solar panels. You can create homemade solar cells and begin building home solar panel systems for your home today and for a whole lot less than $30,000. In fact, the supplies you will need often times run less than $100, if you know where to shop!

Caution
Before we go any further, it is important that you understand the risks. Working with electricity does not come without a fair amount of danger. When building your home solar panel system, make sure you are fully informed about how to tie into your home electric as well as taking proper safety precautions when climbing on the roof or tall towers.

Home Solar Panels – Supplies
Now that you are all pumped up and ready to get started there are some key supplies you will have to acquire. The prices of these supplies will vary depending on demand, your location and scarcity of certain components.
•    Solar Cells- These will likely be the most expensive component of building a solar panel. However if you look closely you can purchase these on eBay or similar sites.
•    Miscellaneous Lumber- This could be an item you already have on hand, but most of the time this will need to be purchased new so you get the proper dimensions.
•    Jones Plug- Available at most hardware stores for less than $10
•    Silicone Based Caulk- This can also be found at hardware stores as well as many retailers.
•    Screws and other Hardware
•    Diode- These can be found on eBay quite frequently for less than a quarter
•    Paint
•    Plexiglas
•    Wire

Homemade Solar Cells – Options
There are a couple of ways you can save money on homemade solar cells. The first of course is to utilize things you already have around the home such as paint, wire and silicone. Barring that you can also purchase cheaper solar cells by acquiring the ones that are not tabbed, however there is quite a bit of soldering to do anyway and you may find the labor is not worth the savings.

Homemade Solar Cells – Information
Speaking of homemade solar cells it is also important that you know a little bit about the cells you will be purchasing.  Each solar cell is capable of producing approximately half a volt. In order to produce 18 volts or 60 watts you will need 36 solar cells wired in a series. When considering building homemade solar cells, remember this simple formula, amps time’s volts equals watts of power.

You may be tempted to mix your homemade solar cells in an attempt to achieve more power output, however this is not advisable. When you mix small and large solar cells together neither will reach their optimum output. Keep all the cells in a panel the same size.

Homemade Solar Cells – Assembly
Once you have all of your parts together, it is time to begin assembling your homemade solar cells into a solar panel. First, build your box following the instructions below.
•    Box- Create your box using 3/8 inch plywood, ¾ x ¾ wood for the edges, glue and screw pieces in place. Panel should be capable of holding 36- 3×6 cells. The box needs to be shallow to prevent the sides from shading and reducing efficiency of the panels.
•    Substrate- This is the piece your cells will actually be mounted to. Use rigid, thin non-conducting material such as pegboard. The substrate will set within the containing box so will need to be slightly smaller.
•    Paint- A coat of white paint is suggested to protect your box and substrate from elemental damage.
•    Plexiglas Cover- This cover will protect the homemade solar cells from the elements while allowing solar rays to easily penetrate. You can use one single sheet, or two depending on the materials you have available.
Whether you use pre-tabbed solar cells or attach them yourself, you should be prepared for lengthy soldering sessions. Lay two cells upside down positioning the tabs from one cell across the solder points of the other. Remember that homemade solar cells are delicate so be firm but do not press too hard. It is a good idea to keep extras on hand for just such an event.

Now you have the basic outline of how to build home solar panel systems and homemade solar cells to create your own solar home electricitiy. Compare shop parts today and you will find that you can create these cells and panels very economically.

Homemade Solar Cells and Home Solar Panels

Further Information & Step-by-Step Instructions